Micro-endoscope Camera Module Encapsulation and Stray Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Micro-endoscopes face manufacturing challenges due to their small size, including inconsistent camera module dimensions, weak solder connections, decreased optical output from stray light, and paint interference with optics, leading to parasitic paint particles and mechanical instability.
Innovation Solution
A micro-endoscope design featuring a camera module encapsulated within a mounting tube with an encapsulation material, which provides a fixed mounting and light blocking, combined with a light guide tube for axial light transmission, enhancing the camera module's installation, mechanical robustness, and reducing stray light issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a camera module is painted with black paint and installed within an optical light guide, then stray light is blocked, but the paint interferes with optics and creates parasitic paint particles
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of light blocking is extracted from the paint coating and assigned to a dedicated black annular barrier structure positioned around the camera module. This separates the light-blocking function from the optical path, eliminating paint interference with optics while maintaining stray light rejection.
Solution Approach 2:
A black annular barrier structure serves as an intermediary element between the camera module and the surrounding environment. This mediator blocks stray light without requiring direct contact with the optical components, thus preventing paint particle contamination while maintaining optical performance.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the camera module is painted with black paint, then light blocking is achieved, but dimensional inconsistency results in insertion problems
Solution Approach 1:
The light blocking function is segmented into a separate annular barrier structure rather than being integrated into the camera module housing. This allows the barrier to be manufactured with precise dimensions independently, ensuring consistent insertion fit without affecting camera module dimensional tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The black annular barrier acts as an intermediary component that provides light blocking functionality while having its own standardized dimensions. This intermediary structure can be precisely manufactured and fitted into the light guide tube, solving the dimensional consistency issue that arises when paint is applied directly to the camera module.
3Ease of manufacture
If the camera module is secured with weak solder connections, then assembly is simple, but the connections are susceptible to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection and mechanical securing functions are merged into a single integrated connector assembly. The connector provides both electrical connectivity and mechanical retention through a unified structure, eliminating the need for separate solder joints while maintaining assembly simplicity and improving connection reliability.
4Volume of moving object
If the micro-endoscope is made with very small cross-sectional dimension, then miniaturization is achieved, but manufacturing becomes difficult and positioning is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The camera module, black annular barrier, and light guide tube are arranged in a nested configuration where the camera module sits within the light guide tube and the barrier provides structural support. This nested arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing precise positioning of components while maintaining a compact overall diameter suitable for miniaturized endoscope applications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The encapsulation material ensures consistent camera module installation, reduces stray light, and enhances mechanical robustness by securing the ribbon cable connections, addressing the limitations of previous micro-endoscope designs.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide tube annularly disposed around the mounting tube for transmitting light axially past the camera module and the mounting tube
Implementation Method 2
an encapsulation material interposed between the camera module and the mounting tube... inhibiting the passage of light between the camera module and the mounting housing
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-endoscope and method of making the same includes a mounting housing, a camera module received within the mounting housing, and an encapsulation material interposed between the camera module and the mounting housing for fixedly mounting the camera module within the mounting housing and/or inhibiting the passage of light between the camera module and the mounting housing. The micro-endoscope further includes a light guide having the mounting housing received therein.